Turkey
Day 1 : Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax for a while. Later in the evening, you are escorted for an evening cruise along the spectacular Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus coastline is a delightful mix of the past and the present, with the grand splendour of the marble palaces and fortresses along with the quaint beauty of the ancient wooden mansions and small fishing villages.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 : Istanbul/Kayseri/Cappadocia
The day is earmarked for a city tour that covers the must-see sights. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque built in the 16th century by Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect of all times. Then onward to the Byzantine Hippodrome which houses the Obelisk brought from Egypt by Theodosius and the Serpent Column taken from Delphi by Constantine. Visit the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and 109 feet high dome. The last stop is the Grand Covered Bazaar, dating back to 15th century, which houses over 4,000 shops under one roof. In the early evening, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. On arrival, you are met and escorted to the cave city of Cappadocia. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3 : Cappadocia
This morning is set aside for your visit to the Dervent Valley, Pasabagi Fairy Chimneys and Avanos Village. For millions of years, the mighty volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted and spewed their contents creating interesting rock formations, known as ‘fairy chimneys’, formed as the result of the erosion due to the flood waters and winds. Enjoy lunch at a typical local restaurant before visiting the Pigeon Valley, the natural citadel of Uchisar followed by the Goreme Open Air Museum with its pink, rose and white tapering stone columns. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescos decorating early Christian churches. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4 : Cappadocia/Kayseri/Istanbul
Post breakfast, continue your tour by visiting Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with the last one 250 feet underground. Then see the citadel of Ortahisar and the old Cavusin Village and its cave houses. Lunch is followed by a walking tour of Red Valley and a visit to Urgup Wine House. In the evening, you are taken to Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul, where you are met and are transferred to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5 : Depart Istanbul
Following breakfast at your hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home.